Marymount University
Marymount University is a private nonprofit university in Arlington, VA ranked #948 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,795 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 80.5%. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Academically, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 76.0% first-year retention, and 57.9% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $25,153, about $8,155 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -42.6%, roughly 127.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $57,801. That's about $14,113 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Marymount University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Marymount University graduates 57.9% of students within six years and keeps 76.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Marymount University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $39,050 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,188 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,360 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $55,748 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 22.1% of Marymount University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $21,888 to $28,619 depending on family income. Use Marymount University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $29,865/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $28,619/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $57,801
- 10-Year Median Earnings $57,801
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 47.6%
- Employment Rate 84.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Marymount University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Marymount University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Marymount University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Marymount University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Marymount University graduates earn $57,801 median, the -42.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,795
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 76.0%
- Graduation Rate 57.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Marymount University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Marymount University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 80.5%, Marymount University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 80.5% acceptance rate, Marymount University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Marymount University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Computer and Information Sciences, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 18.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.3%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 12.1%
- Psychology, General 8.9%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 8.4%
- Design and Applied Arts 7.7%
See more majors
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.1%
- Biology, General 4.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $91,788
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $90,582
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $77,088
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Criminal Justice and Corrections $69,951
- 5. Communication and Media Studies $69,844
- 6. Psychology, General $67,909
- 7. Biology, General $62,548
- 8. Design and Applied Arts $60,370
- 9. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $58,628
- 10. Public Health $57,050
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $129,171
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $123,418
- 3. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $95,862
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $93,430
- 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $85,681
- 6. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $71,694
- 7. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $70,452
- 8. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $68,488
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $66,326
- 10. Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degree) $55,169
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $91,788—61% more than Public Health ($57,050). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $129,171 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Marymount University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 87 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 84 graduates)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 74 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 54 graduates)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree, 54 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (23 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Psychology, General
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biology, General
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Political Science and Government
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sociology
- Economics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Philosophy
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
Online Master's Degrees (13 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Public Health
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Special Education and Teaching
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- English Language and Literature, General
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (9 programs)â–¼
- Special Education and Teaching
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Data Science
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)â–¼
- Computer Software and Media Applications
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,795
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 38.8%
- Female Students 61.2%
- Caucasian 29.7%
- Asian 7.2%
- Hispanic 26.4%
- Black 14.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 22.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Marymount University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Marymount University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Marymount University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Marymount University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Marymount University has a diverse student body, with 29.7% identifying as White. Women make up 61.2% of undergraduates. About 22.1% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Marymount University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Marymount University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Marymount University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -42.6% ROI. Ranked #948 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $25,153 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $57,801 median earnings. With 57.9% graduating within six years and 76.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Marymount University's Positioning
With a B grade and #948 ranking, Marymount University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $25,153 annually, Marymount University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 76.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $17,607 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -42.6% ROI and $57,801 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $15,153+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Marymount University ranks #948 of 1973 institutions, with 838 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 57.9% six-year graduation rate sits 4.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 76.0% first-year retention is 0.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -42.6% return on investment is 127.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $57,801 run about 32% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $25,153 is roughly $5,244 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 76.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.1% employment rate within three years sits 15.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $25,153 is about $5,244 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 22.1% trails the national share by 11.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Marymount University—a private nonprofit university in Arlington, VA—at B overall. It is currently ranked #948 nationally Category results include Completion (B), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (C+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 76.0% of first-year students return, and roughly 57.9% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -42.6%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $25,153 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $55,748.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $30,595 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 22.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $57,801 six years after entry. This is roughly 32% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 84.1%.
The ROI comes in near -42.6%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
80.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Marymount University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Virginia campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Arlington, VA 22207-4299
- Website www.marymount.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$49.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate29.8%